U.S. patent application number 12/470818 was filed with the patent office on 2009-12-03 for washing machine and method of controlling a washing machine.
Invention is credited to Sun Cheol Bae, Jae Hyeok Choi, Han Su Jung, Kyung Hoon Kim, Ja In Koo.
Application Number | 20090293205 12/470818 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41212773 |
Filed Date | 2009-12-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090293205 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bae; Sun Cheol ; et
al. |
December 3, 2009 |
WASHING MACHINE AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING A WASHING MACHINE
Abstract
The present invention relates to a washing machine and a method
of controlling the washing machine. According to a washing machine
and a method of controlling the washing machine in accordance with
the present invention, a drum operates at a first speed so that
part of the laundry tumbles within the drum and another part of the
laundry adheres to the drum. The laundry amount within the drum is
sensed during the first speed operation. Operation commands for
driving the drum after the first speed operation are changed based
on the sensed laundry amount. Accordingly, at the time of the
dehydration cycle, stability of the washing machine and laundry
balancing can be ensured.
Inventors: |
Bae; Sun Cheol;
(Changwon-si, KR) ; Kim; Kyung Hoon; (Changwon-si,
KR) ; Jung; Han Su; (Changwon-si, KR) ; Choi;
Jae Hyeok; (Changwon-si, KR) ; Koo; Ja In;
(Changwon-si, KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KED & ASSOCIATES, LLP
P.O. Box 221200
Chantilly
VA
20153-1200
US
|
Family ID: |
41212773 |
Appl. No.: |
12/470818 |
Filed: |
May 22, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
8/159 ;
68/12.04 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 33/30 20200201;
D06F 33/00 20130101; D06F 2204/065 20130101; D06F 2103/02 20200201;
D06F 2105/48 20200201; D06F 2202/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
8/159 ;
68/12.04 |
International
Class: |
D06F 33/00 20060101
D06F033/00; D06F 39/00 20060101 D06F039/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 23, 2008 |
KR |
10-2008-0048185 |
Claims
1. A method of controlling a washing machine that includes a drum,
the method comprising: operating the drum at a first speed so that
part of the laundry tumbles within the drum and another part of the
laundry adheres to the drum; sensing an amount of the laundry
within the drum during the first speed operation; and changing
operation commands for driving the drum subsequently to the first
speed operation based on the sensed laundry amount.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: when a detected
unbalance amount of the drum during the first speed operation is a
specific value or less, operating the drum at a second speed so
that the laundry adheres to the drum; and changing a reference
value of an unbalance amount of the drum during the second speed
operation based on the sensed laundry amount.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein, as the sensed laundry amount
increases, the reference value becomes small.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising, when a detected
unbalance amount of the drum during the first speed operation is a
specific value or less, increasing a rotational speed of the drum
to a second speed so that the laundry adheres to the drum, wherein
a rising slope toward the second speed is changed based on the
sensed laundry amount.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein, as the sensed laundry amount
increases, the rising slope toward the second speed becomes
small.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein a maximum rotation speed of the
drum is changed based on the sensed laundry amount.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein, as the sensed laundry amount
increases, the maximum rotation speed becomes small.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the first speed is approximately
60 rpm.
9. A washing machine comprising: a drum to rotate laundry; a
laundry amount sensor to sense an amount of the laundry within the
drum; and a controller to control the drum to operate at a first
speed so that part of the laundry tumbles within the drum and
another part of the laundry adheres to the drum and to change
operation commands for driving the drum subsequently to the first
speed operation based on a laundry amount sensed during the first
speed operation.
10. The washing machine of claim 9, further comprising an unbalance
amount sensing unit to sense an unbalance amount of the drum,
wherein when a detected unbalance amount of the drum during the
first speed operation is a specific value or less, the controller
further controls the drum to operate at a second speed so that the
laundry adheres to the drum, and changes a reference value of an
unbalance amount of the drum during the second speed operation
based on the sensed laundry amount.
11. The washing machine of claim 10, wherein the controller further
controls the reference value to become small as the sensed laundry
amount increases.
12. The washing machine of claim 9, further comprising an unbalance
amount sensing unit to sense an unbalance amount of the drum,
wherein when an unbalance amount of the drum, which is detected
during the first speed operation, is a specific value or less, the
controller further controls a rotational speed of the drum to rise
to a second speed so that the laundry adheres to the drum, and
wherein a rising slope toward the second speed is changed based on
the sensed laundry amount.
13. The washing machine of claim 12, wherein the controller further
controls the rising slope toward the second speed to become small
as the sensed laundry amount increases.
14. The washing machine of claim 9, wherein the controller changes
a maximum rotation speed of the drum based on the sensed laundry
amount.
15. The washing machine of claim 14, wherein the controller further
controls the maximum rotation speed to become small as the sensed
laundry amount increases.
16. The washing machine of claim 9, wherein the first speed is
approximately 60 rpm.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority from Korean Patent
Application No. 10-2008-0048185, filed May 23, 2008, the subject of
which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] Embodiments of the present invention may relate to a washing
machine and a method of controlling the washing machine and, more
particularly, to a washing machine with improved stability and
improved laundry balancing at the time of a dehydration cycle, and
a method of controlling a washing machine.
[0004] 2. Background
[0005] A drum-type washing machine of washing machines is
configured to perform washing by employing a drum that rotates by
driving force of a motor and frictional force of the laundry in the
state in which a detergent, wash water, and the laundry are input
to the drum. Thus, the drum-type washing machine does rarely damage
the laundry, has the laundry rarely get entangled, and has knocking
and rubbing washing effects.
[0006] After wash and rinse cycles are finished, a dehydration
cycle is performed. In order to perform the dehydration cycle,
laundry must be distributed effectively. To this end, a variety of
methods have been used. For example, a method of determining an
unbalance amount in the state in which laundry is adhered to the
drum was used. However, this method is disadvantageous in that it
has a long balancing time of laundry and the state of laundry is
decided by sensing an unbalance amount of the laundry in the state
in which the laundry is adhered to the drum. Further, in the case
in which laundry is unbalanced with the laundry being adhered to
the drum, it becomes problematic in the stability of a washing
machine.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] Objects and features of arrangements and embodiments of the
present invention may become apparent from the following
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in
which like reference numerals refer to like elements and
wherein:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a washing machine in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0009] FIG. 2 is an internal block diagram of the washing machine
shown in FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a graph showing an example of the relationship
between a rotational speed of a drum within the washing machine
shown in FIG. 1 and time;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the states of laundry within the
drum of FIG. 3 according to a first speed and a second speed;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling
the washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling
the washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0014] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling
the washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] Arrangements and embodiments of the present invention may be
described in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a washing machine in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] Description is given below with reference to the drawing. A
washing machine 100 includes a cabinet 110 forming an external
shape of the washing machine 100, a tub 120 disposed within the
cabinet 110 and supported by the cabinet 110, a drum 122 disposed
within the tub 120 in which laundry is washed, a motor 130 for
driving the drum 122, a wash water supply apparatus (not shown)
disposed outside a cabinet main body 111 and configured to supply
wash water to the cabinet 110, and a drain apparatus (not shown)
formed under the tub 120 and configured to drain wash water to the
outside.
[0018] A plurality of through-holes 122A for having wash water pass
therethrough is formed in the drum 122. Lifters 124 can be disposed
within the drum 112 so that the laundry is raised up to a specific
height when the drum 122 is rotated and then dropped because of
gravity.
[0019] The cabinet 110 includes the cabinet main body 111, a
cabinet cover 112 disposed on the front side of the cabinet main
body 111 and coupled thereto, a control panel 115 disposed on an
upper side of the cabinet cover 112 and coupled to the cabinet main
body 111, and a top plate 116 disposed at the top of the control
panel 115 and coupled to the cabinet main body 111.
[0020] The cabinet cover 112 includes a laundry inlet/outlet hole
114 formed to have laundry pass therethrough, and a door 113
disposed rotatably left and right so that the laundry inlet/outlet
hole 114 is opened and closed.
[0021] The control panel 115 includes a control button 117 for
manipulating operating states of the washing machine 100, and a
display device 118 disposed on one side of the control button 117
and configured to display operating states of the washing machine
100.
[0022] The control button 117 and the display device 118 within the
control panel 115 are electrically connected to a controller (not
shown). The controller (not shown) electrically controls respective
constituent elements, etc. of the washing machine 100. An operation
of the controller (not shown) is described later on.
[0023] FIG. 2 is an internal block diagram of the washing machine
shown in FIG. 1.
[0024] Description is given below with reference to the drawing.
First, a controller 210 operates in response to an operation signal
received from the control button 117. Thus, actual washing, rinse,
and dehydration cycles can be performed. For the actual washing,
rinse, and dehydration cycles, the controller 210 controls the
motor 130. Although not shown in the drawings, an inverter (not
shown) can be used to control the motor. For example, when the
controller 210 outputs a PWM switching control signal to the
inverter (not shown), the inverter (not shown) can perform a
high-speed switching operation in order to supply an AC power of a
specific frequency to the motor 130.
[0025] Meanwhile, the controller 210 can display operating states
of the washing machine 100 through the display device 118. For
example, the controller 210 can display operating states, such as
actual washing, rinse, and dehydration cycles, through the display
device 118.
[0026] The motor 130 drives the drum 122. The drum 122 is disposed
within the tub 120, as shown in FIG. 1, and has laundry for washing
input therein. The drum 122 is driven by the rotation of the motor
130.
[0027] An unbalance amount sensing unit 220 senses an unbalance
amount of the drum 122, that is, unbalance (UB) of the drum 122.
The unbalance amount can be sensed based on a rotational speed
variation of the drum 122, that is, a rotational speed variation of
the motor 130. To this end, a speed sensor (not shown) for sensing
a rotational speed of the motor 130 can be further included.
Meanwhile, a rotational speed of the motor 130 can be calculated
based on an output current value flowing through the motor 130, and
an unbalance amount can be sensed based on the rotational speed. To
this end, the motor 130 can include a current sensor (not shown),
for example, an encoder.
[0028] Meanwhile, although it is shown that the unbalance amount
sensing unit 220 is provided separately from the controller 210,
the present invention is not limited to the above example.
Alternatively, the unbalance amount sensing unit 220 may be
included within the controller 210. In this case, a rotational
speed and an output current value of the motor 130, which are
respectively sensed by the speed sensor (not shown) and the current
sensor (not shown), can be input to the controller 210.
[0029] Meanwhile, the washing machine can further include a laundry
amount sensor 230. The laundry amount sensor 230 senses the laundry
amount within the drum and inputs a sensed laundry amount to the
controller 210. Such sensing of the laundry amount can be performed
by sensing the weight of laundry within the drum 122, a rotational
speed of the drum 122, and the like anytime when the drum is
stopped or operated. The laundry amount sensor 230 is illustrated
in FIG. 2 as being separate from the controller 210. However, the
laundry amount sensor 230 may be included within the controller
210.
[0030] FIG. 3 is a graph showing an example of the relationship
between a rotational speed of the drum and time within the washing
machine of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the states of
laundry within the drum of FIG. 3 according to a first speed and a
second speed.
[0031] Description is given below with reference to the
accompanying drawings. In relation to the dehydration cycle of the
washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention, the rotational speed of the drum 122 is first raised to
a first speed V1 during a first period T1. Here, the first speed V1
is, as shown in FIG. 4(a), a speed at which a part 410 of laundry
is tumbled within the drum and the other part 420 of the laundry is
adhered within the drum. For example, the first speed V1 may be a
speed at which 20 to 30% of a total of laundry is tumbled within
the drum and 70 to 80% of the total of laundry is adhered within
the drum.
[0032] During a second period T2, the drum 122 is operated at the
first speed V1. When the drum is operated at the first speed V1,
the laundry amount sensor 230 senses the amount of the laundry. The
controller 210 controls set values, which will be subsequent to the
first speed V1, to change according to a sensed laundry amount. The
set values are operation commands to decide the operating states of
the drum 122. The set values can include a rising slope S2 of a
second speed V2 (that is, a speed at which laundry are adhered
within the drum), an unbalance amount reference value of at the
second speed V2, a rising slope S3 of a third speed V3, which has a
resonant speed or less at which the water drain process
(small-scale dehydration) is performed, an unbalance amount
reference value at the third speed V3, a rising slope S4 of a
maximum speed Vmax of the drum at which a full-scale dehydration
process is performed, the maximum speed Vmax, and so on. What the
operation commands posterior to the first speed V1 are changed
according to a sensed laundry amount is described later on.
[0033] When the unbalance amount sensed by the unbalance amount
sensing unit 220 is a first specific value or less (that is, the
rotational speed of the drum has been stabilized), the rotational
speed of the drum 122 is raised to the second speed V2. Here, the
second speed V2 is a speed at which the entire laundry 430 are
adhered within the drum 122, as shown in FIG. 4(b).
[0034] The second speed rising slope S2 during a third period T3
may be changed according to a laundry amount sensed during the
first speed (V1) operation, as described above. For example, as the
sensed laundry amount increases, the second speed slope S2 may
become gentle (that is, small) so as to stabilize the washing
machine 100 and ensure laundry balancing. Alternatively, the second
speed slope S2 may also be changed according to the type of
laundry, the state of laundry, and so on as well as a sensed
laundry amount.
[0035] During a fourth period T4, the drum 122 is operated at the
second speed V2. During the second speed (V2) operation, an
unbalance amount is sensed. When the sensed unbalance amount is a
second specific value or less, the operation speed of the drum 122
can be raised to the third speed V3 or the maximum speed Vmax. At
this time, the second specific value can be changed according to a
laundry amount sensed during the first speed (V1) operation. For
example, as the sensed laundry amount increases, the second
specific value may become small so as to stabilize the washing
machine 100 and ensure laundry balancing. Alternatively, the second
specific value may also be changed according to the type of
laundry, the state of laundry, and so on as well as a sensed
laundry amount.
[0036] The third speed rising slope S3 during a fifth period T5 can
be changed according to a laundry amount sensed during the first
speed (V1) operation, as described above. For example, as the
sensed laundry amount increases, the third speed rising slope S3
may become gentle (that is, small) so as to stabilize the washing
machine 100 and ensure laundry balancing. Alternatively, the third
speed rising slope S3 may also be changed according to the type of
laundry, the state of laundry, and so on as well as a sensed
laundry amount.
[0037] The drum 122 is operated at the third speed V3 during a
sixth period T6. The third speed V3 is a speed at which the water
drain process is carried out. The third speed V3 can be set to a
resonant speed or less.
[0038] During the third speed (V3) operation, an unbalance amount
is sensed. A third specific value (that is, a reference value of
the unbalance amount) can be changed according to a laundry amount
sensed during the first speed (V1) operation. For example, as the
sensed laundry amount increases, the third specific value may
become small so as to stabilize the washing machine 100 and ensure
laundry balancing. Alternatively, the third specific value may also
be changed according to the type of laundry, the state of laundry,
and so on as well as a sensed laundry amount.
[0039] During a seventh period T7, the rotational speed of the drum
122 drops to the second speed V2. During an eighth period T8, the
drum is operated at the second speed V2. As described above, after
the water drain process is performed, the rotational speed of the
drum 122 drops to the second speed V2 again so that the laundry are
adhered within the drum 122. The fifth to eighth periods T5 to T8
(that is, the water drain process) may be performed at least
once.
[0040] Next, when an unbalance amount during the second speed (V2)
operation is the second specific value or less, the rotational
speed of the drum rises to the maximum speed Vmax during a ninth
period T9. At this time, the maximum speed rising slope S4 during
the ninth period T9 can be changed according to a laundry amount
sensed during the first speed (V1) operation, as described above.
For example, as the sensed laundry amount increases, the maximum
speed rising slope S4 may become gentle (that is, small) so as to
stabilize the washing machine 100 and ensure laundry balancing.
Alternatively, the maximum speed rising slope S4 may also be
changed according to the type of laundry, the state of laundry, and
so on as well as a sensed laundry amount.
[0041] During a tenth period T10, the drum 122 is operated at the
maximum speed Vmax. This process is a process for full-scale
dehydration. After laundry balancing within the drum 122 is
completed, the full-scale dehydration process begins. Here, the
maximum speed Vmax can be changed according to a laundry amount
sensed during the first speed (V1) operation. For example, as the
sensed laundry amount increases, the maximum speed Vmax may become
small so as to stabilize the washing machine 100 and ensure laundry
balancing. Alternatively, the maximum speed Vmax may also be
changed according to the type of laundry, the state of laundry, and
so on as well as a sensed laundry amount.
[0042] As described above, operation commands posterior to the
first speed V1 are changed according to a laundry amount sensed at
the first speed V1. Accordingly, stability of the washing machine
100 and balancing of laundry at the time of the dehydration cycle
can be ensured.
[0043] Meanwhile, the drum 122 can be driven at the first speed V1
at which a part of laundry is tumbled so as to meet the balancing
state of the laundry to some extent, not at a speed at which the
entire laundry are tumbled as in the prior art, and the drum can be
then operated at the second speed V2. Accordingly, laundry can be
distributed accurately and rapidly.
[0044] Meanwhile, the above first speed V1 may be about 60 rpm, the
second speed V2 may be about 108 rpm, the third speed V3 may be 300
rpm or more, and the maximum speed Vmax may be 500 rpm or more.
[0045] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling
the washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0046] Description is given below with reference to the
accompanying drawings. The controller 210 controls the drum 122 to
operate at the first speed V1 in step S510. As shown in FIG. 3, the
rotational speed of the drum 122, being in a stop state, is raised
to the first speed V1 and then operated at the first speed V1.
Here, the first speed V1 is a speed at which a part 410 of laundry
is tumbled within the drum and the other part 420 of the laundry is
adhered within the drum. For example, the first speed V1 may be a
speed at which 20 to 30% of a total of laundry is tumbled within
the drum and 70 to 80% of the total of laundry is adhered within
the drum.
[0047] The controller 210 then senses a laundry amount during the
first speed (V1) operation in step S515. The sensing of the laundry
amount is performed by the laundry amount sensor 230.
[0048] Next, the controller 210 determines whether an unbalance
amount during the first speed (V1) operation is a first specific
value or less in step S520. That is, the controller 210 determines
whether an unbalance amount sensed by the unbalance amount sensing
unit 220 is a first specific value or less.
[0049] If, as a result of the determination, the unbalance amount
during the first speed (V1) operation is the first specific value
or less, the controller 210 operates the drum at the second speed
V2 in step S525. Here, the second speed V2 is, as shown in FIG.
4(b), a speed at which the entire laundry 430 are adhered within
the drum 122.
[0050] Meanwhile, when an unbalance amount of the second speed is a
second specific value or less (that is, a reference value), the
rotational speed of the drum can rise to the third speed V3 or the
maximum speed Vmax. Here, the second specific value can be changed
according to a laundry amount sensed at the first speed V1. For
example, as the sensed laundry amount increases, the second
specific value may become small. Therefore, stabilization of the
washing machine 100 and laundry balancing can be ensured.
[0051] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling
the washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0052] Description is given below with reference to the drawings.
The control method of FIG. 6 is almost similar to that of FIG. 5.
However, the control method of FIG. 6 differs from that of FIG. 5
in that, in the control method of FIG. 5, the second specific value
(that is, the unbalance amount reference value at the second speed)
is changed according to a laundry amount sensed at the first speed
V1, whereas, in the control method of FIG. 6, the second speed
rising slope S2 is changed.
[0053] That is, a first speed operation process (S610), a laundry
amount sensing operation process (S615) during the first speed
operation, and an unbalance amount determination process (S620)
during the first speed operation are identical to those of FIG. 5.
Therefore, the redundant description will be omitted for
simplicity.
[0054] If an unbalance amount during the first speed operation is a
first specific value or less in step S520, the controller 210
raises the rotational speed of the drum 122 to a second speed in
step S625. Here, the second speed rising slope S2 can be changed
according to a laundry amount sensed at the first speed V1. For
example, as the sensed laundry amount increases, the second speed
rising slope S2 may become small. Accordingly, the washing machine
100 can be stabilized and laundry balancing can be ensured.
[0055] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling
the washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0056] Description is given below with reference to the drawings.
The control method of FIG. 7 is almost similar to that of FIG. 5.
That is, a first speed operation process (S710), a laundry amount
sensing process (S715) during the first speed operation, an
unbalance amount determination process (S720) during the first
speed operation, and a second speed operation process (S725) are
almost similar to those of FIG. 5. Only processes subsequent to the
second speed operation process (S725) are described below for
simplicity.
[0057] The controller 210 determines whether an unbalance amount
during the second speed operation is a second specific value or
less in step S730. It, as a result of the determination, the
unbalance amount during the second speed operation is the second
specific value or less, the controller 210 raises the rotational
speed of the drum 122 to the third speed V3 and then operates the
drum at the third speed V3 in step S735. The third speed V3 may be
a speed of a resonant speed or less at which the water drain
process (small-scale dehydration) is performed. The water drain
process can be performed at least once, for example, three
times.
[0058] Although not shown in the drawings, the third speed rising
slope S3, or a third specific value (that is, an unbalance amount
reference value during the third speed (V3) operation) can be
changed according to a laundry amount sensed at the first speed V1.
For example, as the sensed laundry amount increases, the third
speed rising slope S3 or the third specific value may become
small.
[0059] Next, the controller 210 operates the drum at the second
speed V2 again in step S740 and then determines whether an
unbalance amount during the second speed (V2) operation is a second
specific value or less in step S745. If, as a result of the
determination, the unbalance amount is the second specific value or
less, the controller 210 raises the rotational speed of the drum
122 to the maximum speed Vmax and then operates the drum at the
maximum speed Vmax in step S750. The maximum speed Vmax is a speed
at which the full-scale dehydration process is carried out. The
maximum speed Vmax can be changed according to a laundry amount
sensed at the first speed V1. For example, as the sensed laundry
amount increases, the maximum speed Vmax may become small.
[0060] Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawings, the maximum
speed rising slope S4 can also be changed. For example, as a sensed
laundry amount increases, the maximum speed rising slope S4 can
become small.
[0061] As described above, several operation command values
subsequent to the first speed V3 are changed based on a laundry
amount sensed during the first speed (V3) operation. Accordingly,
the washing machine 100 can be stabilized and laundry balancing can
be ensured.
[0062] Meanwhile, the first speed V1 may be about 60 rpm, the
second speed V2 may be about 108 rpm, the third speed V3 may be 300
rpm or more, and the maximum speed Vmax may be 500 rpm or more.
[0063] Meanwhile, the method of controlling the washing machine in
accordance with the present invention can be implemented as a
processor-readable code in a recording medium, which can be read by
a processor equipped in a washing machine. The processor-readable
recording medium can include all kinds of recording devices in
which data readable by a processor is stored. For example, the
processor-readable recording medium can include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM,
magnetic tapes, floppy disks, optical data storages, and so on, and
can also be implemented in the form of carrier waves, such as
transmission over the Internet. Further, the processor-readable
recording medium can be distributed into computer systems connected
over a network, so codes readable by a processor can be stored and
executed in a distributed manner.
[0064] According to the washing machine and the method of
controlling the washing machine in accordance with the embodiments
of the present invention, operation commands (for example, rising
slopes at respective operation speeds, reference values of
unbalance amounts at respective operation speeds and the like)
subsequent to a first speed may be changed according to a laundry
amount sensed during the first speed operation. Accordingly, a
washing machine can be stabilized and laundry balancing can be
ensured.
[0065] The drum may be driven at a first speed at which part of
laundry is tumbled within the drum so as to meet the balancing
state of the laundry to some extent not at a speed at which the
entire laundry are tumbled within the drum as in the prior art, and
the drum then enters a second speed. Accordingly, laundry can be
distributed accurately and rapidly.
[0066] Embodiment of the present invention may provide a washing
machine with improved stability and improved laundry balancing at
the time of a dehydration cycle, and a method of controlling a
washing machine.
[0067] An embodiment of the present invention may provide a method
of controlling a washing machine including a drum in which laundry
are entered and rotated, including the steps of operating the drum
at a first speed at which a part of the laundry are tumbled within
the drum and the other part of the laundry is adhered within the
drum, sensing an amount of the laundry within the drum during the
first speed operation, and changing operation commands for driving
the drum subsequently to the first speed operation based on the
sensed laundry amount.
[0068] An embodiment of the present invention may provide a washing
machine, including a drum in which laundry are entered and rotated,
a laundry amount sensor for sensing an amount of the laundry within
the drum, and a controller for controlling the drum to operate at a
first speed at which a part of the laundry are tumbled within the
drum and the other part of the laundry is adhered within the drum
and changing operation commands for driving the drum subsequently
to the first speed operation based on a laundry amount sensed
during the first speed operation.
[0069] Any reference in this specification to "one embodiment," "an
embodiment," "example embodiment," etc., means that a particular
feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with
the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the
invention. The appearances of such phrases in various places in the
specification are not necessarily all referring to the same
embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic is described in connection with any embodiment, it
is submitted that it is within the purview of one skilled in the
art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in
connection with other ones of the embodiments.
[0070] Although embodiments have been described with reference to a
number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood
that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by
those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope
of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various
variations and modifications are possible in the component parts
and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within
the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims.
In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts
and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to
those skilled in the art.
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